The deeds of American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist César E. Chávez continue to impact labor unions today. Beginning with his involvement in the barrio-based Community Service Organization and later founding the United Farm Workers, Chavez and his pro-union stance improved workers' rights in both wage and treatment. Starting at 11 a.m. today, take part in a march at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth Street SW). Then attend a festival featuring food, exhibits, a concert with Cultura Fuerte, En-Joy and Antonio Reyna, and a special talk by United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta. All the events are free to the public. For more, call 246-2261 or visit cesarchaveznm.org.

Hundreds gathered at Sanchez Farm, 14 acres of open space operated by La Plazita Institute in the South Valley. They were there to work in honor of labor organizer and activist César Chávez. His daughter, Liz Chávez Villarino, flew in from California to attend the service event on Friday, March 26, and the march from the South Valley to the National Hispanic Cultural Center the following day.